The following ways of distinguishing venomous snakes from non-venomous snakes are based on the experience of many people and from the synthesis of the characteristics of venomous snakes. You can consider this information as reference.
Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils, while venomous snakes have vertical stripes.
More precisely, the pupil. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils, while venomous snakes have vertical stripes. However, there are exceptions, when the pupils of some venomous snakes such as the black mamba (Africa), the cobra (Middle East, Asia, Africa), and the Australian taipan snake are round.
In addition, some snakes, although not poisonous, have the ability to change the shape of their pupils depending on the dangerous situation or not. So, if you see a snake’s irises are round, do not rush to approach it. Take a look at other features as well.
With venomous snakes, there will be a small hole between their eyes and nostrils.
With venomous snakes, there will be a small hole between their eyes and nostrils. It is the hole that senses heat, allowing them to determine the location of their prey.
The tail scales of venomous snakes are usually arranged in individual rows.
The tail scales of venomous snakes are usually arranged in individual rows, while non-venomous snakes will have a line dividing into 2 alternating columns of scales.
In terms of appearance, venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes are not completely different.
The cobra is poisonous.
Usually, the head of a venomous snake is quite large, has a triangular shape, a small neck, a short tail, the tail from the anus is small, the pattern is obvious.
The head of a non-venomous snake is relatively small, oval in shape, with a long tail, and the tail behind the anus is gradually smaller.
The heads of venomous snakes such as the five-step snake, the spear snake, the iron snake, the viper, the scorpion snake… are all triangular, but there are also some very formidable venomous snakes, like the head of a snake. kraits, scorpions and sea snakes have their heads similar to those of non-venomous snakes.
The krait is extremely venomous, but its head is shaped like a non-venomous snake.
Among the non-venomous snakes, there are also a few species with triangular heads, such as prismatic snakes, because it is very similar to the spear snake, so some people call it false TB snake.
Venomous snakes are typically brightly colored, and can make a distinctive hissing sound (like the sound of a rattlesnake). There are exceptions, of course, but that’s usually the case.
In addition, if the snake’s skin has diamond patterns, or has 3 or more colors, it is most likely a poisonous snake.
Water snakes also have poisonous babies. Poisonous water snakes, they often swim in a full-body floating style, while non-venomous snakes only float their head and body hidden under the surface of the water.
Snakes with poisonous teeth are definitely poisonous snakes.
Poisonous teeth have two types: one is a hook tooth , there is a venom channel on the teeth, there are snakes this tooth grows in front of the upper jaw bone, when they open their mouth wide, they can see, this type of tooth is called anterior molars.
This venomous snake with anterior groove teeth usually has relatively strong toxicity, such as cobras, kraits, kraits, sea snakes, etc.
There are snakes with poisonous grooves teeth growing at the back of the upper jaw bone, called posterior groove teeth, such as mud snakes, water snakes…, venomous snakes have this type of poisonous teeth, the toxicity is weaker, so when Bitten by this snake usually does not die.
This venomous front-toothed viper is usually quite toxic.
The second type of poisonous tooth is the tube tooth , consisting of a pair of long, slightly curved teeth, the tip is very small, like the tip of a flower embroidery needle, the inside of the tooth is hollow like a tube, so it is called a tube tooth. The root part of the tooth communicates with the duct of the poison gland, it is like a groove tooth, when biting a person, the muscle on the outside of the venom gland contracts, forcing the poisonous fluid inside into the pipe of the poison tooth, and then injecting it into the muscle. In the human body, the toxic fluid in the blood spreads throughout the human body, causing the person to be poisoned. The poisonous teeth of the spear snake, the five-step snake, the viper and the iron snake… are all tubular teeth.
Therefore, when being bitten by a snake, you can base on the teeth marks to distinguish whether you have been bitten by a poisonous snake or a non-venomous snake. If it is a non-venomous snake, it has only two rows of tiny teeth.
If it is a venomous snake, there must be a tooth mark or two teeth marks of poisonous teeth.
In addition, when bitten by a venomous snake, the bite site will be swollen and painful very quickly, sometimes even feel dizzy, sweaty, difficult to breathe … But when being bitten by poisonous snakes such as Sea snakes, scorpions and kraits bite, usually a few hours after the symptoms appear, the danger is great, special attention must be paid.
Venomous snake bites will be very painful, the bite will quickly swell. You will also soon experience shortness of breath, nausea, increased blood pressure, muscle weakness, fever.
When bitten by a venomous snake, the first thing you need to do is go to the nearest medical facility to get an antidote (remember to bring the snake or a photo of the snake so the doctors can identify it easier). Note: do not suck the poison out, as that will damage the surrounding tissues more than not smoking.
While waiting for the doctor, limit your movements so that the venom does not spread faster.